L'Aventure Estate Cuvee

Parker: 98

A massive, gorgeously rich and decadent version of this cuvee, the 2014 Estate Cuvee (50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Syrah and 15% Petit Verdot) is reminiscent of a 2005 Pomerol with its huge bouquet of cassis, toasted spice, graphite, damp earth and leafy herb aromas and flavors. Thick, full-bodied, unctuous and palate-saturating, yet still with purity and grace, it's an insanely good Bordeaux blend (or close) from Paso Robles that will have two decades of overall longevity.

One of the reference point estates in Paso Robles is unquestionably Stephan Asseo's l'Aventure. Located just off highway 46, in the middle of the appellation, Stephan now produces six red cuvees: The entry level Optimus based on Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot; The Cote a Cote based on Grenache, with smaller parts Mourvedre and Syrah; The Demoiselles based largely on Mourvedre; the Cuvee Chloe, named after Stephan's daughter and always blend of 70/30 Syrah and Grenache; The Estate Cuvee based on Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon (there's always a small portion of Petit Verdot); and lastly, the For Her cuvee, based on Syrah, Mourvedre, Grenache and Viognier. In addition to these, he makes a sensational Rhone themed white. This estate has just completed construction on a new cave, and in 2016 will be the first vintage completely aged here.